Motorists in Rhode Island are seeing an early dividend from last week’s fall in oil prices with another drop at the pump, this time by two cents from last week, according to AAA Southern New England. Prices locally have fallen each week since early September, a total of 58 cents per gallon over a 13-week span.

AAA’s December 1st survey of prices in Rhode Island found self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $2.93 per gallon, down two cents from last week. Prices locally are 17 cents lower than a month ago. The current price is 16 cents more than the national average for regular unleaded of $2.77. A year ago at this time Rhode Island’s average price was 55 cents higher at $3.48. “Last week’s decision by OPEC ministers to maintain current levels of oil production resulted in a quick drop in oil prices, which is just now being reflected at the gas pumps,” said Lloyd P. Albert, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at AAA Southern New England. “AAA is estimating that lower gas prices nationally are helping consumers save $250 million per day in fuel costs compared to when prices peaked last summer, thereby freeing up significant dollars that families can use for other expenses during this busy time of the year.” The range in prices in the latest local AAA survey for unleaded regular is 20 cents, from a low of $2.82 to a high of $3.02. AAA advises motorists to shop around for the best prices in their area, and to make sure they and their passengers buckle up- every trip, every time. Today’s local gas prices and their ranges are as follows:Regular Unleaded$2.939 ($2.829-$3.029)

Midgrade Unleaded$3.209 ($3.049-$3.399) Premium Unleaded$3.349 ($3.059-$3.499) Diesel$3.519 ($3.279-$3.959) Find the most up-to-date local gas prices with the AAA Fuel Finder by logging onto AAA.com and clicking on Gas Saving Tips & Tools. AAA members can also obtain a copy of the Gas Watcher’s Guide at their local AAA Southern New England office.AAA Fuel Saving Tip of the WeekAvoid quick starts and sudden stops. This wastes fuel, is harder on vehicle components, and increases the odds of a traffic crash.